Microsoft
Office 2003
Introductory Concepts
and Techniques
Essential
Introduction to
Computers
How to Purchase, Install,
and Maintain a Personal
Computer
Objectives
• Define the term computer and discuss the four
basic computer operations: input, processing,
output, and storage
• Define data and information
• Explain the principal components of the
computer and their use
• Describe the use of floppy disks, hard disks, and
other storage media
• Discuss computer software and explain the
difference between system software and
application software
Essential Introduction to Computers
2
Objectives
• Identify several types of personal
computer application software
• Discuss computer communications
channels and equipment and the Internet
and World Wide Web
• Explain how to purchase, install, and
maintain a personal computer
• Define e-commerce
Essential Introduction to Computers
3
What Is a Computer?
• A computer is an electronic
device, operating under the
control of instructions stored
in its own memory unit, that
can accept data (input),
manipulate the data
according to specified rules
(process), produce
information (output) from
the processing, and store
the results for future use.
• Information Processing
Cycle
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4
What Are the Components
of a Computer?
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5
Input Devices
• Any hardware component that allows you
to enter data, programs, commands, and
user responses into a computer
• Input Device Examples
– Keyboard
– Mouse
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6
Processors and Memory
• The processor, also called the central processing unit
(CPU), interprets and carries out the basic instructions
that operate a computer
• The control unit interprets the instructions
• The arithmetic/logic unit performs the logical and
arithmetic processes
• Memory, also called random access memory, or RAM,
consists of electronic components that store data,
instructions, and information, as needed by the
processor
• The motherboard, or system board, is the main circuit
board in the computer to which many electronic
components are attached
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7
Processors and Memory
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8
Output Devices
• Output devices make the information
resulting from processing available for use
• Output Device Examples
– Printers
• Impact
• Nonimpact
– Display Devices
• CRT
• LCD
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9
Storage Devices
• Used to store instructions, data, and
information when they are not being used
in memory
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10
Storage Devices
• A Zip disk is a type of
portable magnetic media
that can store up to 750MB
of data
• A hard disk consists of one
or more rigid metal platters
coated with a metal oxide
material that allows data to
be recorded magnetically
• An optical disc is a storage
medium that consists of a
flat, round, portable, metal
storage medium
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11
Storage Devices
• Tape is a magnetically
coated ribbon of plastic
housed in a tape
cartridge capable of
storing large amounts of
data and information at a
low cost
• Miniature storage media
is rewritable media
usually in the form of a
flash memory card
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12
Communications Devices
• A communications device is a hardware
component that enables a computer to
send and receive data, instructions, and
information to and from one or more
computers
• Communications occur over transmission
media, such as cables, telephone lines,
cellular radio networks, and satellites
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13
Computer Software
• System software consists of programs to control
the operations of computer equipment
• Instructions in the operating system tell the
computer how to perform the functions of
loading, storing, and executing an application
program and how to transfer data
• When a computer is turned on, the operating
system is loaded into the computer’s memory
from auxiliary storage, a process called booting
• Most computers use an operating system that
has a graphical user interface (GUI)
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14
Computer Software
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15
Computer Software
• Application software consists of programs
that tell a computer how to produce
information
– Word processing software
– Spreadsheet software
– Database software
– Presentation Graphics software
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16
Computer Software
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17
Networks and the Internet
• A network is a collection of computers and
devices connected via communications
media and devices
• A local area network (LAN) connects
computers in a limited geographic area
• A wide area network (WAN) covers a large
geographical area
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18
Networks and the Internet
Local Area Network (LAN)
Essential Introduction to Computers
Wide Area Network (WAN)
19
The Internet
• The world’s largest network is the Internet
• Most users connect to the Internet in one
of two ways:
– Internet service provider
– Online service provider
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20
The World Wide Web
• One of the more popular segments of the Internet is the
World Wide Web, also called the Web
• A Web page is a document that contains text, graphics,
sound, and/or video and has built-in connections, or
hyperlinks to other Web documents
• A Web site is a related collection of Web pages
• You access and view Web pages using a software
program called a Web browser
• A Web page has a unique address, called a Uniform
Resource Locator (URL)
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21
The World Wide Web
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22
Electronic Commerce
• When you conduct business activities
online, you are participating in electronic
commerce, also known as e-commerce
• Business to consumer (B2C) involves the
sale of goods to the general public
• Consumer to consumer (C2C) involves
one consumer selling directly to another
• Business to business (B2C) provides
goods and services to other businesses
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23
How to Purchase, Install, and
Maintain a Personal Computer
• Do you want a desktop or mobile
computer?
• For what purposes will you use the
computer?
• Should the computer be compatible with
the computers at school or work?
• Should the computer be a Mac or PC?
Essential Introduction to Computers
24
How to Purchase
a Desktop Computer
• Determine the specific software you want to use
on your computer
• Look for bundled software
• Avoid buying the least powerful computer
available
• Consider upgrades to the mouse, keyboard,
monitor, printer, microphone, and speakers
• Determine whether you want to use the
telephone lines or broadband (cable or DSL) to
access the Internet
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25
How to Purchase
a Desktop Computer
• If you are using a dial-up or wireless connection to
connect to the Internet, then select an ISP or OSP
• Use a worksheet to compare computers, services, and
other considerations
• If you are buying a new computer, consider your several
purchasing options
• If you are buying a used computer, stay with name
brands such as Dell, Gateway, Hewlett-Packard, and
Apple
• If you have a computer and are upgrading to a new one,
then consider selling or trading in the old one
Essential Introduction to Computers
26
How to Purchase
a Desktop Computer
•
•
•
•
Be aware of hidden costs
Consider more than just price
Avoid restocking fees
Consider purchasing an extended
warranty or service plan
• Use a credit card to purchase your new
computer
Essential Introduction to Computers
27
How to Purchase
a Notebook Computer
• Purchase a notebook computer with a
sufficiently large active-matrix screen
• Experiment with different keyboards and
pointing devices
• Make sure the notebook computer you
purchase has a CD and/or DVD drive
• If necessary, upgrade the processor,
memory, and disk storage at the time of
purchase
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28
How to Purchase
a Notebook Computer
• The availability of built-in ports on a notebook
computer is important
• If you plan to use your notebook computer for
note-taking at school or in meetings, consider a
notebook computer that converts to a Tablet PC
• Consider purchasing a notebook computer with
a built-in wireless card to connect to your home
network
• If you are going to use your notebook computer
for long periods without access to an electrical
outlet, purchase a second battery
Essential Introduction to Computers
29
How to Purchase
a Notebook Computer
• Purchase a well-padded and well-designed
carrying case
• If you travel overseas, obtain a set of electrical
and telephone adapters
• If you plan to connect your notebook computer
to a video projector, make sure the notebook
computer is compatible with the video projector
• For improved security, consider a fingerprint
scanner
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30
How to Purchase
a Tablet PC
• Make sure the Tablet PC fits your mobile
computing needs
• Decide whether you want a convertible or
pure Tablet PC
• Be sure the weight and dimensions are
conducive to portability
• Port availability, battery life, and durability
are even more important with a Tablet PC
than they are with a notebook computer
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31
How to Purchase
a Tablet PC
• Experiment with different models of the Tablet
PC to find the digital pen that works best for you
• Check out the comfort level of handwriting in
different positions
• Make sure the LCD display device has a
resolution high enough to take advantage of
Microsoft’s ClearType technologies
• Test the built-in Tablet PC microphone and
speakers
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32
How to Purchase
a Tablet PC
• Consider a Tablet PC with a built-in PC
video camera
• Review the docking capabilities of the
Tablet PC
• Wireless access to the Internet and your
e-mail is essential with a Tablet PC
• Review available accessories to purchase
with your Tablet PC
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33
How to Purchase a PDA
• Determine the programs you plan to run
on your PDA
• Consider how much you want to pay
• Determine whether you need wireless
access to the Internet and e-mail or mobile
telephone capabilities with your PDA
• Make sure your PDA has enough memory
Essential Introduction to Computers
34
How to Purchase a PDA
• Practice with the touch screen,
handwriting recognition, and built-in
keyboard before deciding on a model
• Decide whether you want a color display
• Compare battery life
• Even with PDAs, seriously consider the
importance of ergonomics
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35
How to Purchase a PDA
• Check out the accessories
• Decide whether you want additional
functionality
• Determine whether synchronization of
data with other PDAs or personal
computers is important
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36
How to Install a Computer
• Read the installation manuals before you
start to install your equipment
• Do some additional research
• Set up your computer in a well-designed
work area and remain aware of health
issues as you work
• Install your computer in a work space
where you can control the temperature
and humidity
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37
How to Install a Computer
• Set up your work space near an available
electrical outlet and set aside a proper location
for the electrical wires
• Have a telephone outlet and telephone or cable
connection near your work space, so you can
connect your modem and/or place calls while
using your computer
• If you plan to set up a wireless network, choose
an area that is free from potential signal
interference
• Install bookshelves
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38
How to Install a Computer
• Obtain a computer tool set
• Save all the paperwork that comes with
your computer
• Record the serial numbers of all your
equipment and software
• Complete and mail your equipment and
software registration cards or register
online
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39
How to Install a Computer
• Keep the shipping containers and packing
materials for all your equipment
• Identify device connectors
• Keep your computer area clean
• Check your home or renter’s insurance
policy
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40
How to Maintain Your Computer
• Start a notebook or file using a simple
outline that includes information about
your computer
• Before you work inside your computer,
turn off the power and disconnect the
equipment from the power source
• Keep the area surrounding your computer
dirt and dust free
• Back up important files and data
Essential Introduction to Computers
41
How to Maintain Your Computer
•
•
•
•
Protect your computer from viruses
Keep your computer tuned
Learn to use diagnostic tools
Conserve energy whenever possible
Essential Introduction to Computers
42
Summary
• Define the term computer and discuss the four
basic computer operations: input, processing,
output, and storage
• Define data and information
• Explain the principal components of the
computer and their use
• Describe the use of floppy disks, hard disks, and
other storage media
• Discuss computer software and explain the
difference between system software and
application software
Essential Introduction to Computers
43
Summary
• Identify several types of personal
computer application software
• Discuss computer communications
channels and equipment and the Internet
and World Wide Web
• Explain how to purchase, install, and
maintain a personal computer
• Define e-commerce
Essential Introduction to Computers
44
Microsoft
Office 2003
Introductory Concepts
and Techniques
Essential
Introduction to
Computers
Complete